Vote for 'Yes' in referendum to build beautiful Bangladesh: Health adviser

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum said the upcoming 'Yes' vote in the referendum is vital for building a beautiful Bangladesh and changing the country.

She said everyone must remain united and continue campaigning for this purpose. People should be explained about the referendum in ways they can understand.

The adviser made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting with divisional- and district-level officials here today.

Divisional and district administrations organised the meeting to promote and raise awareness about the 13th National Parliamentary Elections and the referendum at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office.

The Health and Family Welfare Adviser further said Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 at the cost of much bloodshed. Through the mass uprising of '24, fascism has been ousted from Bangladesh. However, such a situation should not arise again where anyone has to shed fresh blood in movements.

She said that the 'Yes' vote in the referendum is extremely important so that no mother has to lose her child again. For this reason, campaigning must be carried out collectively, both through government offices and privately. If necessary, assistance from various NGOs can be sought.

Expressing hope that a 'Yes' victory in the referendum would lead to the formation of a beautiful Bangladesh, Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum said that if the 'Yes' vote wins, such a Bangladesh will be built where no one will have to go to jail without cause, no government will be able to become authoritarian even if it wants to, and no government will be able to deprive citizens of their fundamental rights.

Many citizens of the country still do not understand the referendum. If necessary, they should be made to understand through their sons and daughters. People should be explained about the referendum in whatever way they understand best, Nurjahan Begum continued.

At this time, the adviser told the officials present that there is no scope for showing favouritism towards any candidate in the national election. Everyone must carry out their duties impartially.

With DC Afia Akhter in the chair, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Health and Family Welfare Ministry Secretary Saidur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Rajshahi Medical University Professor Jawadul Haque, Rajshahi Divisional Health Director Dr Habibur Rahman, Director of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital Brig Gen PKM Masud Ul Islam, and Additional Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi Mohammad Habibur Rahman.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum also visited Rajshahi College to inspect a voter motivation promotional activity titled "Voter's Vehicle" this noon.